Pakistani Humanitarian Lands in Karachi After International Ordeal
Pakistani social activist Saad Edhi arrived back in Karachi on Saturday, drawing a close to an international incident that has triggered a sharp diplomatic backlash against Israel. Edhi touched down via Gulf Air, transiting through Sharjah from Turkiye, after being released from what officials described as illegal Israeli detention.
The prominent humanitarian, who leads the renowned Edhi Foundation, was among hundreds of activists seized by Israeli forces on May 18. The interception occurred in international waters as the Global Samud flotilla attempted to deliver aid to Gaza.
France and Italy Demand EU Sanctions on Israeli Minister
“As from today, Itamar Ben-Gvir is banned from entering French territory,” Barrot stated. In a coordinated move, he revealed a joint request with Italy for the European Union to impose sanctions against the far-right minister. The call followed the release of a video showing Ben-Gvir taunting the detained flotilla participants, which prompted Paris to summon a senior Israeli diplomat.
Violence Continues Unabated Across Gaza
As the political fallout spread, violence on the ground showed no signs of abating. An Israeli strike on a police position near the Sheikh Radwan area of northern Gaza killed five policemen and wounded several others on Saturday, according to Gaza’s General Directorate of Police. The attack added to a mounting civilian toll that has drawn international condemnation.
UN Condemns Military Seizure of Humanitarian Compound
The United Nations issued a strong rebuke over Israel’s establishment of a military base at a former UNRWA compound in occupied East Jerusalem. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the move as a breach of international law. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric emphasized the inviolability of UN premises and stated that Israel is not entitled to exercise sovereign powers in occupied Palestinian territory.
US Walks Back Sanctions on UN Expert
In a related development, the United States clarified that its removal of UN expert Francesca Albanese from a sanctions list does not represent a policy shift. The State Department said the action was temporary and forced by a federal court order that found the Trump administration likely violated her free-speech rights. The government has appealed the ruling and intends to restore the sanctions if the legal block is overturned.
European Powers Demand Accountability for Settler Violence
Britain, Italy, France, and Germany jointly demanded that Israel halt settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and curb growing settler violence. In a rare unified statement, the four major European economies warned that planned construction in the sensitive E1 area would divide the territory and mark a serious breach of legal norms. They urged full accountability for attacks and independent investigations into allegations against Israeli forces.
